Fact Check: "HS2 project costs have skyrocketed, with £91 million already spent on bat structure."
What We Know
The claim regarding the costs associated with the HS2 project, particularly the bat mitigation structure, stems from various statements made by officials and reports on the project's financials. The chairman of HS2, Sir John Thompson, indicated that the project is spending approximately £100 million on a shield designed to protect bats in ancient woodlands in Buckinghamshire (BBC). This figure has been a point of contention, with the Department for Transport (DfT) and HS2 Ltd asserting that the current estimated cost of the bat structure is around £95 million (Rail Magazine).
The costs associated with the bat structure include both above-ground and below-ground works, with estimates indicating that about £70 million is allocated for above-ground costs and £25 million for below-ground civil works (Rail Magazine). The total cost for the entire HS2 stretch at Sheephouse Wood, which includes the bat structure, is approximately £168 million at 2019 prices (Rail Magazine).
Analysis
While the claim that £91 million has been spent on the bat structure is not entirely accurate, it is rooted in a broader context of escalating costs associated with the HS2 project. The figure of £100 million cited by Sir John Thompson has been widely reported and reflects the total projected costs rather than expenditures to date. The DfT and HS2 Ltd's assertion that the cost remains around £95 million suggests that while costs are high, they may not have reached the levels initially suggested by some reports (BBC, Rail Magazine).
The reliability of the sources varies; the BBC is a reputable news organization, while the Rail Magazine also provides industry-specific insights. However, the claims about the bat structure's costs have been met with skepticism from various stakeholders, including local authorities, who argue that the costs are excessive for a single structure (BBC).
Critics, including transport secretary Louise Haigh, have described the costs as indicative of a "complete lack of efficiency" in the HS2 project, which is projected to cost £66 billion in total (BBC). This context highlights the complexities and challenges faced by large infrastructure projects in the UK, including regulatory hurdles and environmental considerations that contribute to rising costs.
Conclusion
The claim that "HS2 project costs have skyrocketed, with £91 million already spent on bat structure" is Partially True. While the costs associated with the bat mitigation structure are indeed significant, the specific figure of £91 million is not substantiated by current estimates, which suggest a figure closer to £95 million. However, the overarching narrative of escalating costs and inefficiencies within the HS2 project is valid and reflects broader concerns regarding infrastructure spending in the UK.
